Happy New Year . . .

It's hard to believe that 2008 has come to an end and 2009 is here. The older I get the faster time goes. It has been an incredible year. It's hard to believe that Matthew is almost 14 months old and Taylor is nearing her 4th Birthday. God was so good to us this year. He answered our prayers and pulled Matthew through his 2nd surgery with flying colors. We went home from the hospital in March and we haven't been back other than to visit. That in itself is amazing. We have tried to get back to life as "normal" but it will never be the same after everything Matthew has been through. I'm amazed at how good he looks and how well he has developed. He has so much energy that you would never guess he has a heart condition. I truly feel blessed but I have to admit sometimes I still don't understand why this happened to our baby boy. I know God has an amazing plan but I catch myself wondering how long will Matthew be with us and what will his quality of life be but then he comes crawling by with a big smile and I think it doesn't matter. We are so privilege just to have him today and I'm going to cherish each day and not worry about the future. God holds the future and He will give me the strength to endure whatever He has planned. He brought us this far and I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2009!

Here are some promised pictures of our holiday. We started off with Christmas Eve at our house. My Mom and Dad came and spent the night so they could see the kids open their presents.

Taylor woke up at 6:oo a.m. ready to open presents. She had her stocking down and ready to go before the rest of us were all gathered in the living room.

The kids picked out a new toy for Daisy. It was funny watching her tear into the paper.

We went to mys sister's house in Fort Wayne, IN. Matthew is enjoying his new drum that he received. Matthew enjoys anything he can beat on.

Taylor was so excited that Grandma remembered that she wanted a Princess umbrella.

On New Year's Eve, Craig's brothers and their families traveled from St. Louis and Rushville and spent the evening at our house. We rocked the New Year in by playing Rock Band. Our way of pretending we are still young. It was so much fun and the kids enjoyed watching us adults be crazy.

Matthew didn't make it to midnight but the rest of his cousins made it. They look wide awake for midnight! Anyway, that was our holiday. I hope your holiday was wonderful too!